Shipping Industrial Generators to Customers

This page explains the definition of the logistics and shipping of industrial generators and provides a few examples of the types of shipping we provide. Shipping the generator set can be defined as the transportation from vendor to customer site. The logistics behind the shipping process can be defined as the science of planning, organizing and managing activities that provides goods or services.

International – Basic information for shipping to international customers.

Domestic

Many shipping options are available to the customer. In the Vendors section minimum requirements for freight agreement was covered. When selecting a broker make sure signed documentation meets requirements for shipping and receiving of the generator set.

Three examples (Figure 1) have been created to illustrate logistics behind shipping generator sets are:

Match Generator Set to Truck

If utilizing a shipping company, they will complete all computations for the load. The broker will supply quote for the load which is determined by the some of the following factors:

Length = 136”

Width = 53.25”

Height = 79.75”

Overall Weight = 9,000 lbs.

Make and model of truck is optional to shipper. Specifications of the truck are the guidelines used by the shipper (Figure 2). Shippers may select use of this truck because:

When loaded weight is less than Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Figure below:

8700 + 9000 = 17,700 lbs.

Length and width of bed allow for load to be centered.

Height of bed. Must add height of bed to height of generator:

41” + 79.75”/12 = 10.06’. Interstate a maximum of 14.6 is allowed.

Using a flatbed truck allows greater mobility and can be fuel cost effective.

Figure 2, Flatbed Truck for Kohler 250 kW Generator

Securing and Protecting Generator for Transport

Once the generator set is loaded onto the truck, the shipping broker assumes all responsibility for transport. Safe passage (how the generator set arrives) should be defined in the freight agreement. Some considerations are (Figure 3):

Additional Weatherproof – Control panels, intake, exhaust and any ports must be covered and insulated against weather and transport conditions.

When the generator is loading onto the truck the vendor providing crane or fork lift service is responsible for the safe loading of the generator set. Once loaded onto the vehicle the shipping broker is responsible for securing/tarping, and safe passage to customer site.

Figure 3, Securing and Protecting Generator Set

Permits Needed for Transport

Each state has different requirements for permits. The shipper will check each state on the route to destination for legal load size and weight limitations. Colorado requirements are:

Maximum overall length 75’.

Maximum width 8’ 6”.

Maximum height 14’ 6.

GVW 80,000 lbs. on interstate or 85,000 lbs. on other roads.

Overhang 4’ front and 10’ rear.

This load does not require any oversized permits for Colorado.

Unloading Generator Set at Site

To save expenses on crane or forklift and operator rental, it is wise to have the site prepared for the arrival of generator. The generator then can be set on permanent mounts. Accomplishing site preparation prior to delivery prevents second trips by lift vendors.
Site requirements define the type of lifting device needed to unload and place the generator. Examples illustrated below:

Construction Fork Truck – Construction fork trucks have boom elevate and extend capability. In addition, the load can be tilted forward/backward and left/right on many models. This allows for precise setting. If this option is chosen, generator must be set on dunnage when loaded. This allows space for forks to be inserted.

As the boom extends the amount of weight the boom can safely operates lessens. Make sure lifting device is rated for generator set weight at full extension.

Figure 4, Lifting Options

Cummins 800 kW

A Cummins 880 kW Diesel generator has been selected to ship. Diesel option appealed to customer because the generator set is replacing an outdated set located inside the facility in a machinery room. Below is a basic logistics check list:

Match generator set to truck.

Securing and protecting generator for transport.

Permits needed for transport.

Unloading generator set at site.

Match Generator Set to Truck

If utilizing a shipping company, they will complete all computations for the load. The broker will supply quote for the load which is determined by the some of the following factors:

Length = 167”.

Width = 65.5”.

Height = 88.5”.

Overall Weight = 16,500 lbs.

Make and model of truck is optional to shipper. Specifications of the truck are the guidelines used by the shipper (Figure 5). Shippers may select use of this truck because:

Maximum freight weight is 40,000 to 42,000 lbs.

Lower deck length is 37’ with upper deck length of 11’.

Load height on lower deck 10’

Width 8.5’.

Extra available length and deck allows for additional equipment (such as control panels, support pumps, etc.) to be transported for upgrade to machinery room.

Figure 5, Flatbed Trailer for Cummins 800 kW Generator

Securing and Protecting Generator for Transport

Once the generator set is loaded onto the truck, the shipping broker assumes all responsibility for transport. Safe passage (how the generator set arrives) should be defined in the freight agreement. Some considerations are (Figure 6):

Additional Weatherproof – Generator sets are not in an enclosure can have extra protection in the following areas:

Radiator/Intercooler – Cooling fins of the radiator and intercooler assembly are fragile and can be damaged during shipping. Tarping provides minimum protection. For added protection fin area can be protected with plywood prior to tarping process.

Generator/Control Panel – The generator end and control panel should be protected by an industrial stretch or shrink wrap.

For extreme foul weather conditions the entire generator set and skid can be wrapped in shrink rated for transportation.

When the generator is loading onto the truck the vendor providing crane or fork lift service is responsible for the safe loading of the generator set. Once loaded onto the vehicle the shipping broker is responsible for securing/tarping, and safe passage to customer site.

Figure 6, Securing and Protecting Generator Set

Permits Needed for Transport

Each state has different requirements for permits. The shipper will check each state on the route to destination for legal load size and weight limitations. Colorado requirements are:

Maximum overall length 75’.

Maximum width 8’ 6”.

Maximum height 14’ 6.

GVW 80,000 lbs. on interstate or 85,000 lbs. on other roads.

Overhang 4’ front and 10’ rear.

This load does not require any oversized permits for Colorado.

Unloading Generator Set at Site

Generator is going to be located inside a machinery room. The machinery room and outside area have the following characteristics:

Entrance to machinery room has an overhead door with dimensions of 20’ x 20’. Entrance is located at rear of building with paved access road to machinery room area.

Gantry available to move and place generator set once it is placed on concrete pad.

Local crane contractor is selected to unload the generator and place onto concrete pad.

Caterpillar 2000 kW

A Caterpillar 2000 kW Diesel generator has been selected to ship. Generator set located in a sound attenuated enclosure, 1200 gallon fuel tank capability and digital controls met all facility needs. Below is a basic logistics checklist:

Match generator set to truck.

Securing and protecting generator for transport.

Permits needed for transport.

Unloading generator set at site.

Match Generator Set to Truck

If utilizing a shipping company, they will complete all computations for the load. The broker will supply quote for the load which is determined by the some of the following factors:

Make and model of truck is optional to shipper. Specifications of the truck are the guidelines used by the shipper (Figure 7). Shippers may select use of this truck because:

Maximum freight weight is 80,000 lbs.

Lower deck length is 49’ fully extended.

Lower deck ground clearance is 6”’

Width of lower deck is102”.

Figure 7, Flatbed Truck and Trailer for Cummins 2000 kW Generator

Securing and Protecting Generator for Transport

Once the generator set is loaded onto the truck, the shipping broker assumes all responsibility for transport. Safe passage (how the generator set arrives) should be defined in the freight agreement. Some considerations are (Figure 8):

Additional Tasks – Prior to tarping, make sure all supporting devices (such as batteries) are secured and ready for transport. Make sure all doors are closed and door hardware functions properly.

When the generator is loading onto the truck the vendor providing crane or fork lift service is responsible for the safe loading of the generator set. Once loaded onto the vehicle the shipping broker is responsible for securing/tarping, and safe passage to customer site.

Figure 8, Securing and Protecting Generator Set

Permits Needed for Transport

Each state has different requirements for permits. The shipper will check each state on the route to destination for legal load size and weight limitations. Colorado requirements are:

Maximum overall length 75’.

Maximum width 8’ 6”.

Maximum height 14’ 6.

GVW 80,000 lbs. on interstate or 85,000 lbs. on other roads.

Overhang 4’ front and 10’ rear.

This load will need oversize width and weight permits. If the drop of the trailer is greater than 1’ 6” height permit will be required. Some states do not allow after hour or weekend oversize load shipping.

Unloading Generator Set at Site

Generator will be set in permanent location: Re-enforced concrete pad with hardware prepared. Access to pad is considered rough terrain. Terrain will support combined weight of crane and generator set. Some of crane (Figure 9) specifications are:

Five section boom (40 to 150’).

Off set fly and extensions available (total attachment 85’).

Maximum height 243’.

Operating weight 126,500.

Figure 9, Crane for Caterpillar 2000 kW Generator

International Shipping

Diesel Service and Supply offers international shipping services for our customers located abroad. We compare multiple quotes supplied from our trusted partners. Generator set and accessories are positioned in containers to insure equipment safety and cost effectiveness. The process can be divided into basic steps:

Shipping – Informational steps for international shipping.

Tracking the Shipment – Milestones tracked in shipping process.

Shipping Destinations - International shipping locations.

Shipping

Diesel Service and Supply is considered the sellers port. The buyers (customer) port is the port of destination. Following considerations determine shipping quote.

Dimensions and weight of generator set and accessories.

Crane and rigging resources at both ports.

Trucking costs to and from both ports.

We will coordinate the day of shipment from the appropriate US port to the designated international port.

Diesel Service and Supply 1999-2016. All rights reserved. Location in Brighton, Colorado. 303-659-2073.
We buy, sell and ship worldwide! Caterpillar, Cummins, Kohler, Detroit, Generac and all other brand
names are trademakrs or their individual respective companies.